Attempts to weaken vaccine laws in Florida, Idaho defeated following AAP advocacy
Legislative proposals poised to weaken vaccine requirements were defeated in statehouses this spring following advocacy efforts of pediatricians, AAP chapters and health care allies.
The Florida and Idaho chapters each opposed the bills introduced in each state, with members speaking with elected officials and offering testimony in support of immunizations.
Florida
In March, the Florida Senate passed Senate Bill 1756 which proposed creating a “conscience-based exemption” from vaccine requirements for children attending K-12 schools. The bill also required health care providers to present parents and/or guardians with “certain informational materials” around safety and efficacy prior to administering a vaccine. The bill did not advance in the House.
Members of the Florida Chapter argued the bill poses serious risks to Florida’s children — particularly infants and immunocompromised children who depend on community vaccination rates to stay safe.
In late April, the Florida House began a special weeklong session to discuss several topics requested by Gov. Ron DeSantis, including limitations on vaccine requirements. Leadership in the House, however, did not bring the bill to the floor during the session. Although additional special sessions are likely to be called in the state, it is not expected that vaccines will be on the agenda.
Florida Chapter President Rana Alissa, M.D., FAAP, and chapter members spent countless hours reaching out to elected officials and traveling throughout the state to advocate for vaccines and public health.
The Florida Chapter partnered with American Families for Vaccines, a nonprofit organization that advocates for science-based public health laws and promotes accurate information and vaccine confidence.
“We had tremendous support from them,” Dr. Alissa said. “They have families and parents of kids who died from vaccine-preventable illnesses. Our representation from the Florida Chapter and from the pediatric community and other medical communities was amazing. We had people take time away from their jobs to attend. The discussion was definitely strong from the vaccine-supportive people.”